Entrelacen

by Morales, Dani

  Chapter 23

  April I just barely make it in time to pick up Michael from school. He’s so energetic today. Once we get to the house, he runs to the backyard. It’s a total warzone out there. When we moved in, the owners told us they would be doing some construction. I didn’t realize it was going to be this extensive. They tore apart the walls to fix the piping inside. Outside, there are piles and piles of dirt. We’ve built trenches and play with water balloons sometimes. Summer is approaching, so the weather is definitely warm enough.

  I make Michael a snack and attempt to call him in with no luck. I swear that boy only hears what he wants to. I decide to go sit outside with him to make sure he doesn’t mess with anything he shouldn’t. He found some chalk and is going to town on the brick fence. We make our way inside after about 45 minutes. While he eats the sandwich I made him, I let my mom know that I was about to leave to go pick the other two boys from their school. My mom has been awesome through all of this. We decided to live together so she could help out with the boys. She goes above and beyond for them. I get overwhelmed sometimes, but she supports me. She actually makes me go out sometimes to act my age. She says I’m too young to be acting so old.

  This is when I start thinking about Logan again. I can’t help but be drawn to him. I could use a good friend here. He seems like he would be a good male role model for the boys too. I’m going to have to play this by ear. I can’t fall for him. I know that I easily could with that smile of his, not to mention those eyes. They’re so expressive, even when he has his mask in place. He's not going to be able to fool me, but maybe I won’t be able to fool him either. That is definitely a concern, but for right now, I’ll just take it day by day. We’re co-workers anyways, right?

  I leave to go pick up my other two monkeys. They’re just about as hyper as the first one. I help get their snacks together and work on a few homework problems with them before I head back out to the store. I love that place. It’s a place of calmness in a constantly moving storm. I get into my car. The radio is playing ‘Good Girls Go Bad’ by Cobra Starship, so I jam out. I sing and dance in the car all the way until I reach the bookstore. I walk into the shop to see Gran smiling at me.

  “Hey Gran!” “April, you look extremely happy. Are the boys being good?”

  “Oh, you know. They’re as hyper as ever, but yes, they’re good. I left them doing homework with their grandma. I was just being silly in the car.”

  “Singing and dancing are always good stress relievers.”

  “It’s magic! I love music. It’s the one thing that always fits into my life and ties memories together.”

  “Yes it does. I’m going to head out April. Logan is making something to eat tonight, so I don’t want to be late. Do you think you can handle the store on your own? Everything that needs to be done, as well as the passwords to the alarm, can be found in my office.”

  “Easy as pie Gran! Have fun at dinner tonight.”

  I follow her to the door to make sure she safely gets in her car before I started doing the closing duties. I liked closing places. It gives me the opportunity to see how things are placed without having to worry about someone watching me. Gran and Logan keep the store really neat and stocked. The floors are actually wooden, not the carpet they put everywhere these days. I make my way to the back by the bathrooms to get the broom, mop, and dusting supplies. I go up to the front door to turn the 'Open' sign off and lock the door. It’s Vegas; you can never be too careful.

  I pull out my phone to play some music. I know I’m a horrible singer, but there’s no one around, so to make cleaning go faster, I sing and dance my way around the books. I decide to dust first because it would all fall to the floor anyways. I start in the children’s section first, moving around some bookcases and chairs. I work away from the front door, but when I get back to the “secret” room, I'm not sure if I supposed clean in there, or not. I feel the need to go back there just to check it out. So much energy is jumping its way through the room. I can feel it pulsing in the air all around me. It's recharging me. I know how crazy that sounds, but that’s the only way I can explain it. That’s when the song ‘Unpretty’ by TLC comes on. I walk out of the room to continue cleaning, singing and dancing. I love this song; it always makes me realize I’m not alone when it comes to being insecure with my appearance.

  “But if you can look inside you, find out who am I to, be in a position to make me feel so damn unpretty” comes out of my mouth as I’m wiping down the top of the shelf. I start getting a feeling that I’m being watched.I ignore it because there’s no way that’s possible because the doors is locked. I finish dusting, so I make my way to get the broom and pass by the front of the store. I look outside out of habit and see nothing other than the cars driving down the street. I shake the fear of being watching. It was probably just because I’m alone for the first time in a new place. Music is still playing in my ears, and I get back into my groove. I even dance with the broom. The place is looking brand new. I think I can hear a ringing in the background, so I pause the song to listen. It’s the stores phone, so I look at the clock and realize I’ve been here longer than I thought. I answer the phone because it could be my mom calling because she is worried.

  “Hello?”

  “April, what are you still doing there?”

  “Oh hey Gran. I was cleaning and got so caught up in the music I was listening to that I didn’t even realize the time. Is everything okay?”

  “Oh it’s fine child. I bet the store looks brand new, huh?” She says through a laugh.

  “As a matter of fact, it really does. Oh yeah, I changed some of the furniture in the children’s section. I hope you don’t mind. I just had a lot of fun reading to them today.”

  “Not at all child. They enjoyed it just as much I’m sure. Go ahead and finish what you are doing. Then go home and get some rest.”

  “Thanks Gran. Good night!”

  “Good night child.”

  I wonder how she knew I was here. Then I think better of it. There are some things that woman knows without explanation. I’m done with the cleaning. I head over to the coffee area to set everything up for the morning that way Logan or Gran won't have to do it. I put up the cleaning supplies, grab my keys from the counter by the register, turn to walk to the back wall to turn the lights off, and that’s when I see him.

  Logan is standing perfectly still in the doorway of the new age room staring at me. I wonder how long he’s been there. Is he the reason I felt like I was being called into that room in the first place. I’m still frozen in place, debating if he’s actually there or if my imagination is playing tricks on me. ‘Enchanted’ by Taylor Swift is playing in my ears, as if this moment wasn’t enough without the lyrics to match what I’m feeling. Neither one of us makes a move. We’re just staring into each other’s eyes. It’s too intense. The air around me is becoming hard to breathe, but I don’t want to break the stare. That’s when his gaze drops to my lips, and my teeth bite into the side of them. He pushes himself off the wall and slowly makes his way to me, like I’m the prey he’s been stalking. He’s moving with a feline grace I’ve never seen before. The instinct to retreat is paving its way through my muscles, not because I’m scared, but because I want to play.

  I take a step back, and he stops. He turns his head to the side trying to figure out what I’m doing. I take another step back, then another, not removing my eyes from him. He starts mirroring my steps. I’m starting to get excited with the idea of being chased. What the hell is wrong with me? I don’t usually do these cat and mouse games. Yet hereI’m, backing away from him as he watches me and slowly moves forward. One of his steps matches two of mine. He’s practically in front of me when I step back again and am stopped by the wall.

  Chapter 24

  Logan I get done having dinner with Gran and tell her I’m going to go check on the store to make sure April closed it correctly, since it was her first time to do it. I know it’s not hard. All you have to do is pic
k up trash, turn off the lights, and lock the door. I just wanted an excuse to try to see her again. Plain and simple. I park around back and go in through the back door. I hear singing. It's not horrible, but it’s definitely not amazing. It makes me laugh. I creep through the door. April is dusting all the book shelves, dancing and singing.

  She has no clue how beautiful she is. She’s making her way to where I’m hiding, so I take cover. Lame I know, but I don’t want her to know I’m watching her. When did I become a stalker? She walks into the room, looks around, and then walks back out. When I start to hear her sing again, I make my way back to the door to watch her.

  Everything inside of me is begging me to reach out and touch her, talk to her, or do anything to get her attention. I’m craving it. That’s when the phone rings. I knew it was going to be Gran, but I didn’t expect for April to pick it up since it’s so late. I see April look at the clock, and she starts to work faster. She’s so caught up in dancing, singing, and cleaning that she doesn’t notice me leaning on the wall.

  After putting up the cleaning supplies, she gets the coffee and tea ready for tomorrow. Making her way to the light switches, she looks up and her gazes is locked on me. First she looks scared, but then her eyes recognize me. I can’t tell whether shock or relief shines through more, but whatever It’s, she is frozen in place. She’s fighting a smile. My eyes narrow in on her mouth. She’s biting the corner of her lips again. Just that small movement has my body aching in ways that I didn’t know were possible.

  I start to move toward her, and she takes a step back, so I stop. What is she doing? Trying to drive me crazy with lust? I mirror her step for step, but I still manage to get closer to her. Those hazel eyes of hers show amusement. She’s playing a game I realize. Excitement is begging me to continue, and I see the wall before she does. When she backs into it her palms lie flat against it. She looks like she’s trying to disappear into the wall itself.

  I reach her, and she looks up at me. I can see the fire burning in her eyes. My hands automatically press into the wall on each side of her, encasing her so she wouldn't run away. Neither one of us makes a move at first. We just stare. She licks her bottom lip, and her teeth sink into it again. I want to be the one that bites her lip. I’m hyper-aware that her hands are now pressing on my chest. They’re not pushing me away, but making sure I’m real.

  My right hand lifts to push her hair back behind her ear. When my skin makes contact with her face, sparks fly. It’s like when you get a static shock that races its way all over your body. Her eyes widen, and that’s when I know she felt it too. I trace her jaw line, and her lips part. My thumb skims over her bottom lip,

  releasing it from the torture her teeth seem to be inflicting on it. Her lips are soft and smooth. Her breath smells sweet. I desperately want to taste her. My eyes connect with hers as I begin to lean in, giving her the okay to push me away if she wants me to stop. The only movement is her rapid breathings. Her chest is connecting with mine, and my lips are about to connect to hers.

  Our phones both ring.

  I ignore mine, knowing the only person who could be calling is Gran. I know she’s calling to interrupt what was just about to happen. April looks at her phone, and the desire that was burning just a few seconds before disappears. I would never have believed she could switch emotions so quickly if I hadn't seen it first-hand. The atmosphere has shifted. Urgency to leave is pouring out of April. It worries me. She closes the phone, sighs, and looks at me.

  “Everything okay, April?”

  She tries to smile at me, but it’s forced. “I need to go; do you think you can lock the doors for me please?”

  I want to say more. I want to ask her what’s wrong, so I can be there for her. “Sure. No problem. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  “Umm… yeah. Thanks again Logan.”

  I can tell she wants to say more, but she stops herself. I walk her to her car. She’s driving an Expedition. I’m surprised. She seems more like a car kind of girl. I could see her driving a mustang. She looks tiny compared to this SUV. I lock all the doors, turn off the lights, and get into my car.

  I definitely need to drive around to calm myself before I head back home. I almost kissed her. Me. It wasn’t like when Elise kissed me. I wanted to kiss April; Elise wanted to kiss me. I know the moment that my lips connect with April's, I’m going to be done in. She is slowly

  becoming my addiction. I need to get to know her before I scare her away. So that’s what I’m going to do for the next few weeks, get to know her and become friends first.

  Once my decision was made, I head home. I walk in, and see Gran in the kitchen having some tea. I smile at her and start heading up the stairs to my room.

  “Be careful Logan. Get to know her first.”

  “I know Gran! I fully intend to do that.”

  I laugh because Gran has been overly protective of me since everything

  happened. Then I stop laughing and wonder why she is being this protective of April. Does she know more that she’s not telling me? Of course she does. I’ll just have to get April to talk to me.

  I make it to my room, look around, and start to feel lonely. I already miss the heat I felt from April and the way it felt when her heaving chest rubbed mine. I stumble into bed groaning. Everything that is going through my body right now makes it difficult to fall asleep, but eventually I do.

  Chapter 25

  April I get into the car and take a few deep breaths. My hands are shaking, and my body is vibrating with a need that’s foreign to me. I’ve had sex and made out with guys, but I’ve never had that intense desire devour me so completely. I can still see the fire burning in his eyes and feel the softness of his fingers tracing my jaw. I’m totally screwed. Thank goodness for the interruption from our phones. It was my mom trying to see where I was.

  The boys are asking for you. Where are you? I start the car and head home. I can’t deny our building attraction or the fact that I want something to happen between us, but I have the boys to think about. Logan is probably a year or two younger than me. There's no way he would be into having a relationship with me. We could be friends. That way I can get to know him and not have to worry about telling him about the kids.

  I get attacked as soon as the door opens. All my troubles are pushed to the back of my mind as I make my way through the pile of kids. Mathew takes a bath downstairs. Lee already had his, so I put him to bed. I take Michael upstairs to give him his bath in my bathroom. Once we’re done doing that, I get the older boys into bed too. They’re asleep fast, so I get ready for tomorrow. Pulling out their uniforms, I grab my Kindle to read a little before bed. I decide to read 'Wishing for Someday Soon' by Tiffany King again. This book was one of the few things that gave me hope when I was going through the custody battle for the boys. The main character shows tremendous hope, love, and determination to get her and her brother to someday soon.

  I hear an annoying beep beep beep and open one eye to see the alarm on my right going off. I guess I fell asleep. Oh well. Time to get the kids up, dressed, and loaded into the car to go to school. We make it with enough time for them to have breakfast. I leave quickly after getting them situated, so I could go home to take a shower before work.

  I’m feeling a little lazy today, so I skip blow drying and straightening my hair. I just put some moose and hair spray in my hair to define my natural curls. I put on a jean skirt, a black strapless top, and some black ballet flats. I quickly apply just a little makeup and grab my purse, phone and keys. Heading out to the car, I know it's going to be a long day. I didn’t dream about Logan, but I was thinking about him the moment my eyes opened. I hope today won't be awkward. I really want this job and don't want anything to jeopardize it. We really need to talk.

  I pull up into the spot that I’ve claimed as mine, walk straight through the door, and notice there are only a few customers in the shop. Then, the butterflies decide to take flight, so I know he must be around. I look around, but I don’t re
cognize anyone. I check to see if Gran is in the back, and there Logan sits, facing the door. It’s like he was expecting me to walk in at that precise moment. All the nervousness I was feeling about today being awkward is gone. Instead, red hot desire takes its place. Plus, the energy this room throws off, with all of its mystical properties, isn’t helping.

  I clear my throat, “Good morning Logan. Is Gran around?”

  “She said she would be in later. You’re stuck with me this morning.”

  I’m groaning internally. I can’t do this right now. It’s going to be agonizing torture. Right now, I just want to walk up to him, straddle him in the chair, pull his hair back with my hands, and kiss him like there’s no tomorrow. I let go of the breath I was holding.

  “Sounds good. I’ll just go keep myself busy out there,” I spit out in a hurry, while gesturing to the store behind me. I start to turn away from him. I swear looking at him should require a bottle of water, fan, and a defibrillator to start your heart again. He can make the smartest person look stupid by doing nothing but stand there.

  “Hey, I was thinking that maybe we can have lunch together today. I know Gran is probably going to bring something back for the both of us, but would you mind joining me out back? We have a table I usually sit at out there.”

  I glance over my shoulder with a coy smile, “Sure, sounds great. Thanks.”

  Why am I trying to be coy? He knows how good he looks. With the way I behaved last night, I’m sure he knows how badly my body wants him too. Before I let him say anything else, I pass through the door and sigh in relief when I see my little Snow White waiting by the rocking chair. As I approach, she smiles at me. I notice that todaywe’re going to be reading Little Red Riding Hood. I have just as much fun this time around as I did yesterday. There are just as many kids this time. Some of them even have books of their own. I sit in that chair reading until every book had been read. Snow White eventually falls asleep on my lap. She wiggled her way onto it so she could help be the voice of some of the characters. She liked playing the wolf best because she got to make her voice deep.